Fancy Flying: United Upgrades Premium Service JFK Flights

Flat-bed seats in business class and in-seat power at every seat are among the amenities of United's refreshed Boeing 757 p.s. (premium service) aircraft, which took to the skies on Monday.

United operates a dedicated fleet of premium service aircraft on all nonstop flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and both Los Angeles and San Francisco. All premium aircraft are expected to be reconfigured with the new interiors by the end of the year.

Both routes are heavily traveled by high-revenue business fliers, and most major airlines offer international-style service on flights between these cities.

In BusinessFirst, the seats fold down into fully flat beds with 6-feet, 4-inches of sleeping space. Large touchscreen monitors at each seat feature more than 150 hours of on-demand programming, including TV, movies, music and other audio. Four-course meals with an expanded wine selection are also offered. (Read more: United Airlines Upgrades Premium Dining Options)

Economy passengers also receive the same on-demand entertainment, albeit on slightly smaller individual screens. And every seat features power outlets and USB ports.

In-flight Wi-Fi service is offered by Gogo for a fee. The fee often fluctuates in my experience on these flights, but average around $15 a session.

United operates 40 flights in each direction between JFK and Los Angeles every week, and 46 flights between JFK and San Francisco.

Other Airlines With Premium JFK Flights

Both American Airlines and Delta also offer upgraded amenities to passengers on flights between JFK and both Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Beginning late this year, American will operate brand new Airbus A321 aircraft for their premium service flights between the cities. And American will be the only airline to offer three classes of service — first class, business class and economy —on the route. (Read more: Lie Down! American to Offer More Fully Flat Seating)